International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Also called Atoms for Peace, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a sub-United Nations (UN) organization that works towards promoting secure, safe and peaceful nuclear technology use. In other words, IAEA is against nuclear technology use for military or war purposes. It ensures member countries abide by their commitment to IAEA on peaceful nuclear technology use. For this purpose, the IAEA also has several specialist laboratories where scientists or researchers from across the globe can share expertise and knowledge about beneficial and peaceful nuclear technology applications. And for its noble intention and efforts, the IAEA won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.

An independent organization, the IAEA was established in 1957 and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. And it reports to the United Nations General Assembly every year – for instance, members not complying with the group’s security and safeguard obligations. Also, all Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) member countries must agree with IAEA monitoring all of their nuclear facilities and nuclear programs. In fact, it was due to IAEA’s proactive measures that the world came to know about North Korea’s nuclear weapon developments. North Korea was at that time part of the NPT. Similarly, before the 2003 Iraq war, when America claimed that Iraq resumed its nuclear arms development, IAEA intervened and proved America wrong.

Scope Beyond Prevention of Evil Nuclear Energy Usage

The IAEA is not just focused on preventing harmful use of nuclear technology, but it also is keen on advancing nuclear technology’s real potential for bringing sustainable economic, environmental, and social benefits to people around the world. For instance, it helps countries channelize nuclear technology and science into peaceful and productive areas such as human health, agriculture, hydrology, environment and industry.